Ellen MacArthur speaks for BT South Tyneside

Yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur has taken time out from her current sailing adventure to inspire businesses in South Shields to go greener.

Ellen, a BT global corporate responsibility ambassador, was talking to companies – at an event organised by BT South Tyneside – about how they can gain business advantages by better use of their resources.

She said: “Through my experiences at sea, I learnt how to manage the resources on board really carefully, right down to the last drop of fuel – to win or to lose.

“On the boat I have to change my batteries.  But when energy is available at the flick of a switch, it’s all too easy to take it for granted.  Many resources we use at home and in our working lives are not replenishable.”

“The effect of this is irreversible – and the way we manage these finite sources today will define the way others live their lives tomorrow.”

Ellen said the contrast between life at sea and life on land is stark. “I feel we have lost the ability to link what we use to where it comes from,” she added.

Ellen’s Round Britain Voyage of Discovery is now halfway through its four-month trip. Supported by BT, the voyage is giving 85 young cancer sufferers the opportunity to learn how to sail – and aims to raise £100,000 for the Ellen MacArthur Trust.

Ellen is encouraging people to buy a virtual mile to help reach the fundraising target.